Method and apparatus for provisioning a public switched telephone network

ABSTRACT

An administration system for a public switched telephone network (PSTN) includes a first automatic service order processing system which receives a service request from a customer requesting service. When the service request is eligible, the first automatic service order processing system automatically provisions first customer facilities to execute the service request based upon first information stored by the first automatic service order processing system, the first information including customer identification data and customer facility data. The first information is maintained by the first automatic service order processing system without altering the customer facility data when a disconnect request is received from the customer. When the service request is not eligible, the first automatic service order processing system generates a provisioning request. The administration system also includes a second automatic service order processing system which receives the provisioning request from the first automatic service order processing system and automatically provisions second customer facilities to execute the service request. The second automatic service order processing system is not required to maintain the customer facility data when a disconnect request is received from the customer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of applicationSer. No. 08/152,360, filed Nov. 16, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,833.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to public switched telephone networks (PSTNs) andmore particularly relates to a method and apparatus for provisioning oradministering such networks, such as, for example, activating service toa customer.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,517, issued Nov. 1, 1988 discloses a system thatallows a user to provide new service to existing terminations in atelephone network. A server having program sequences for controlling itsoperation connects the terminations and the telephone network. Theserver monitors the occurrence of a request event at one of theterminations. A processor, distinct from the server, controls the serverby accessing a directly accessible database to extract a statetransition rule to provide control information corresponding to theresponse event. Information is returned to the terminations in responseto the control information. The database storing the state transitionrules is directly accessible by the user for changing the statetransition rules to modify the services without changing the programsequences of the server.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,511, issued Apr. 30, 1991 discloses a system thatprovides special service in telephone networks, particularly withrespect to call forwarding. An adjunct computer is associated with aRemote Memory Administration System (RMAS) for switches which include afacility for providing special services such as call forwarding. Theadjunct computer is inserted between the RMAS and the switches which itcontrols and responds to a request for special services. The processordetermines the identity of the subscriber station that is to receive therequested service and the nature of the service. A programming signal isgenerated and transmitted to the switch to which the station isconnected.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,519, issued Nov. 1, 1988 discloses a method andapparatus for enhancing the operation of an existing central office in atelephone switching system to provide extended subscriber service. Thesystem relates to existing central office equipment that is incapable ofadequately providing "equal access" and other extended subscriberfeatures to non-conforming central offices. The operating capabilitiesof these offices are enhanced so that they can offer extended subscriberfeatures, such as equal access, without replacing or upgrading existingtechnology.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,461, issued Feb. 4, 1992 discloses a method andapparatus for providing switching equipment, such as lESS or 1AESStelephone switching office equipment which are stored program controlledswitches, with the capability of controlling the connection managementand disconnection of telephone circuits using Signaling System #7(SS7)protocols.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,199, issued Nov. 4, 1980 discloses a specialservices add-on specifically adapted for use in dial pulse activatedswitching offices such as a step by step office. The add-on is a storedprogram, processor based system that can be put on a line-by-line basis,independent of subscriber line assignments. The add-on provides specialservice such as incoming call alert, call conferencing, call forwarding,tone dialing abbreviated dialing, instant recall, etc.

FIG. 1 is diagram illustrating the basic structure or arrangement of thecustomer and telephone company facilities for providing telephoneservice or connection between a telephone caller and a telephonereceiver destination. As illustrated in FIG. 1, telephone sets 1a, 1b,1c, 1d, 1e represent different addresses or customer locations whichreceive and initiate telephone calls. In order for a customer locationor address to establish or receive telephone service, each location oraddress must be physically connected to a central switching office orcentral office (CO) 3a, 3b, 3c via a physical copper cable pair or fiberoptic cable. The cable pair which connects customer locations 1a, 1b,1c, 1d, le often require intermediary connections via cross connectdevices 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. In this situation, there may be severallegs of cable pairs 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e between cross connect devices 2a,2b, 2c, 2d, 2e. The combinations of cable pairs which connect thecustomer location to the serving CO is commonly referred to as "outsideplant". Central offices 3a, 3b, 3c are connected together via trunklines 7a, 7b.

Once the customer location is connected to the CO via an in-coming frameat the CO 3a, 3b, 3c, the customer location must also be allocatedoffice equipment (OE) which provide the specific calling featuresrequested by the customer location. For example, the customer mayrequest such features as call waiting or call forwarding which requiredifferent OE or different configurations of OE in CO 3a, 3b, 3c. Oncethe customer location is able to access the CO, the customer locationmay be connected via a CO to another customer location serviced by thesame CO, such as customer location 1a calling customer location 1b whichis connected or switched by CO 3a. Alternatively, the customer locationmay be connected to another customer location which is serviced by adifferent CO. For example, customer location 1c will be connected tocustomer location 1e via COs 3b and 3c, and cable trunk 7b.

The combination of outside plant and OE which is allocated or"provisioned" for a customer location is typically referred to ascustomer facilities which are always associated with the customerlocation until the customer location decides to disconnect service,e.g., the customer location moves from one calling area to anothercalling area. As clearly illustrated in FIG. 1, the arrangement of theoutside plant and OE can become extremely complicated, particularly inview of the quantity of customer facilities which must be provisionedfor each customer location. Further, the provisioning or assignment ofcustomer facilities is further complicated with the typical or standarddesire to conserve or reuse customer facilities as efficiently aspossible. As will be discussed in detail below, we have discovered thatthis insistence on conserving customer facilities has resulted inexcessive and unnecessary work which the present invention is directedat eliminating.

The current state of the art of provisioning of residential services tocustomers of PSTNs, i.e., customer facilities, follows a series of stepsnot conceptually different from the steps that were followed in a manualprovisioning environment some thirty years ago. The individual worksteps have been mechanized, and the mechanized steps have been connectedwith interfaces, but the steps have not basically changed. The commonsequence of such steps is illustrated in FIG. 2. FIGS. 3-5 provide amore detailed flow chart illustration of this methodology. FIG. 6 showssystem architecture.

Referring to FIG. 3 a Customer service representative of the Telco at 10determines the reason for the call and the address of the caller orcustomer. The call may be for ordering service, making bill paymentarrangements, registering a deposit, or calling for service maintenance.If the customer is calling for new service or a change to existingservice the representative proceeds to the next step 12. Here therepresentative gathers the customer information such as the callingparty's name, the customer's name, the service address, the billingname, and billing address. The representative determines how thecustomer wishes the service to be listed, the numbers and types ofdirectories, calling cards, and any disclosures that are requested bythe customer.

In the next step 14 the credit history of the customer is checked usinginternal and external data sources. At 16 the service representativetakes the customer service address information provided and uses aPREMIS (Premis Information System) processor. PREMIS is an on-lineaddress-based system used by service representatives for service ordernegotiation. It provides street address, Living Unit (LU), previouscredit status, equal access carrier data, facility availability, andTelephone Number (TN) selection capabilities. PREMIS provides storageand retrieval of Street Address Guide (SAG) information, Living Unit(LU) information, Facility Assignment (FA) information, Telephone Number(TN) selection, repetitive debt customer information, and otherinformation. At 16 the service representative uses PREMIS to verify theaddress, determine the working status of the address, and determines theserving wire center and other common address information such ascommunity and tax codes. Based on the wire center serving the customer,the service representative is able to determine what services areavailable to the customer.

At 18 service is negotiated with the customer, matching the customerneeds with the available products and services. The first service thatis negotiated is basic service which will determine the calling plan forthe customer. This is followed by the negotiation of toll services andother optional services such as touch tone, custom calling services andmaintenance plans.

At 20 the due date for installation is negotiated and scheduled. At 22 aTelephone Number is selected from the PREMIS or Service Order Processor(SOP) systems. This Telephone Number will be based on the wire centerserving the area and the availability of the TN.

Before ending the call with the customer, the service representative at24 recaps the service request to insure that the customer orderaccurately reflects the customer's requirements. The service order isthen issued or released at 26 to the SOP. The SOP checks the order forformat accuracy and determines what centers or systems should receivethe service order. The service order is then distributed to the systemsand centers at 28.

Referring to FIG. 4 the service order is next received by the ServiceOrder Analysis and Control System (SOAC).

The order is validated and checked for format accuracy 30. At 32 aninitial determination is made for orders that might require manual workor testing. If the order might require work or testing a planningmessage is sent to the Work and Force Administration/Dispatch Out(WFA/DO) system at 33. WFA/DO system makes the final determination as towhether a dispatch or testing is required.

At 34 the Service Order Control system determines if loop facilities arerequired for the order. This is based on Universal Service Order Codes(USOC) and Field Identifiers (FID) on the order. If a loop facility isrequired an assignment request (AR) is prepared and sent to the LoopFacility Assignment and Control System (LFACS). This assignment requestis made at 36 and contains the address, order number, telephone number,and date due. An outside plant equivalency code (OEC) is also sent inthe request that has been determined based on the type of service. TheOEC designates the type of facility required for the request.

At 38 the address is first matched with addresses in the Loop Facilityinventory system. If there is an address match, the status of the livingunit is checked to insure that there is not already working service atthe address. The terminal address is then determined. Once the addressand terminal address have been verified, a network facility matching therequest is selected at 40. After the facility is selected theinformation in the form of an assignment request response (ARR) is sentback to the Service Order Control system at 42.

The Service Order Control system determines switch equipmentrequirements, prepares the request and sends an assignment request tothe Switch Inventory system at 44. The assignment request is received bythe Switch Inventory system from the Service Order Control system at 46.This request will contain information as to the type of switchfacilities required, the loop facility that must be connected, thetelephone number, the service order number, and the date due.

At 48 the loop facility and telephone number received in the assignmentrequest are verified with the Switch Inventory system data. The statusof each is checked to insure that the request can be completed asrequested.

the switch equipment is selected at 50 based on the requested switchfacility, the loading of the switch and the jumper length to beconnected. The selection also will determine if an existing jumper hasbeen left in place. Based on these criteria, switch equipment isselected. The switching equipment which is typically used involves astored program control switch (SPC) such as a lESS or 1AESS switch.

After the selection of switch equipment, the information is sent to theService Order Control system at 52. The Service Order Control systemassembles the information received from the Loop Facility InventorySystem and the Switch Inventory system at 54. This information isformatted as an assignment section and placed on the service order. Theassigned Service Order (SO) is then sent to the SOP at 56. The SOPdetermines where the service order should be sent and distributes theservice order at 58.

At 60 the Service Order Control system also sends the assigned serviceorder to the Work and Force system. At 74 work is performed as required.That is, if other work in the field or in the central office isrequired, this work is completed and reported back to the appropriatecenter or system. Work may include placing jumpers in the central officeor in the loop facilities, connecting the customer to the network andplacing inside wiring and jacks at the customer premise.

After completion of the service request the completion information issent to the SOP at 76. This information may include the completion timeand date, any changes to the service order and any billing informationthat needs to be added for time and material charges.

The Service Order Control system determines if memory administration isinvolved in the request and if so determines if it has the requiredinformation to prepare a translation packet to send to the MemoryAdministration System (MAS) at 62. The translation packet is thencreated. If a translation packet cannot be prepared an image of theservice order is prepared. The translation packet or the service orderimage is then sent to the Memory Administration System at 64.

The TP or SOI is received and validated in the Memory AdministrationSystem at 66.

The Memory Administration System validates the TP/SOI and determineswhat needs to be done to complete the request.

At 68 the Memory Administration System (MAS) creates a machine readableRecent Change (RC) message specific to the switch to receive themessage. The Recent Change (RC) message is created to match the vendorspecific switch type and generic. The RC message is then sent to theswitch at a designated time at 70 and the switch is updated at 72.

Referring to FIG. 5, the SOP receives the completion information at 78and prepares the completed service order for distribution at 80. At 82the SOP determines the distribution of the service order and thecompleted service order is distributed to all systems requiring theinformation. Thus, as indicated at 84, the service order is sent to anumber of systems including Loop Maintenance, Billing, Directory, andE-911. The service order is also sent back to the Service Order Controlsystem at 86 to update the status of the facilities from Pending Connector Disconnect to Working or some idle status. At 88 the Service OrderControl system receives the completed service order and validates theformat of the information.

The Service Order Control system determines the network requirements at90. In this case, since the order is completed, the requirement is tochange the status of the facilities from Pending Connect to Working. Ifthe request was for a disconnect this would change from PendingDisconnect to Disconnected.

At 92 the Assignment Request is sent to the Loop Facility system. TheLoop Facility system matches information received in Assignment Requestwith existing facility data and at 94 updates the status of the facilityfrom Pending Connect to Working or from Pending Disconnect toDisconnected. At 96 an Assignment Request Response is sent to theService Order Control system. At 98 switch facility requirements aredetermined. In this case, the requirement is to change the status of thefacility from Pending Connect to Working or from Pending Disconnect toDisconnect.

At 100 an Assignment Request to the Switch Inventory system is sent toupdate the status of the facility and the Telephone Number. TheAssignment Request is received from the Service Order Control system at102 and the appropriate status changes are made. The status of thefacility and the Telephone Number are changed. The Status Inventorysystem inventories and administers the use in aging of telephonenumbers. When a telephone number is disconnected, it will be aged for aspecified period of time before being reused. After the status of theswitch facility and telephone number have been completed, a confirmationis sent to the Service Order Control system at 104.

Referring to FIG. 6 there is shown typical architecture for carrying outthe above described methodology. The Service Order Processor (SOP) isshown at 106. The SOP obtains the information from the customer callingfor service and obtains the previously described information from PremisInformation System (PREMIS) 108 upon the SOP initiating a request toPREMIS. That information is put on the service order which goes from theSOP to the Facility Assignment Control System (FACS) 113 which is anautomated facility assignment system which automatically assigns loopfacilities and office equipment to a subscriber address to providetelephone service. This assignment of loop or outside plant facilitiesand office equipment is in response to the provisioning request orservice order generated by SOP 106.

FACS is an automated facilities assignment system which attempts tooptimize the use of loop facilities and office equipment includingjumper cables to minimize the amount of unused inventory and cost to thetelephone service provisioning company. FACS, an on-line computersystem, administers, inventories, and assigns the complete circuit fromthe customer's premises to the local serving office. FACS is the primaryautomated support for the provisioning work group since it keeps trackof all interconnections and segments (working and available). FACS worksby maintaining inventories of outside plant (OSP) and central office(CO) facilities and using the data to make assignments. FACS is acollection of computer systems which have been previously discussed inconnection with FIGS. 4-5, and which is further discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIG. 6.

The first system in FACS 113 which receives the service order is theService Order Analysis and Control system (SOAC) 110. SOAC is thecontroller of service order flow within FACS and handles most of theinterfaces between FACS and other systems, such as the Service OrderProcessor (SOP). SOAC reads the assignment affecting sections of theservice order line by line and determines if FACS can process the order.If the assignment requirements can be determined, FACS automaticallyassigns the service order. If SOAC reads a Field Identifier (FID) orUniversal Service Order Code (USOC) that is beyond FACS' capability, theservice order is sent to the service provisioning work center for manualintervention using perhaps LOMS. SOAC also detects errors that arerouted back to the originator for correction.

If SOAC can completely interpret the service order, it builds AssignmentRequests (ARs) which are sent to LFACS and WM/COSMOS or SWITCH torequest outside plant facilities and central office facilityassignments, respectively. After assignments are made, SOAC receivesAssignment Request Responses (ARRs) from LFACS and WM/COSMOS, merges andformats this data into a service order assignment section andautomatically returns it to the Service Order Processor (SOP).

SOAC tracks all service orders and Line and Station Transfers (LSTs)through completion or cancellation. Status information is maintained onall service requests as well as the service order image and relevantdata that results from processing.

SOAC also includes the capability of supporting multiple SOACs residingon the same machine, different machines, or a combination of both. Thiscapability is called SOAC Tandem. For orders that contain wire centerssupported by more than one SOAC, SOAC Tandem provides tracking of allinvolved SOACs and the linking of assignment data generated by allinvolved SOACs. Hence, the SOP only needs to communicate with one SOACfor any multi-SOAC order.

A service order is sent to the appropriate SOAC by the SOP based on theheader wire centers (for non-TFS involved orders) or the CircuitAdministrative Area (for TFS involved orders). Note: TFS (Trunk FacilitySystem) is a generic term for a system such as TIRKS. The particularSOAC that receives the service order determines other potentiallyinvolved SOACs based on the wire centers and/or NPA-NNXs appearing onthe order. If there is more than one potentially involved SOAC, the SOACthat receives the order in the controlling SOAC for the order and theother potentially involved SOACs are called the subordinate SOACs.

Current SOAC processing takes place in each involved SOAC to generatethe necessary assignments for the wire centers involved in the SOAC.Each involved SOAC sends it SOP status and assignment data to thecontrolling SOAC. The controlling SOAC tracks and sequences allresponses sent back by all involved SOACs. When at least all solicitedresponses or any subsequent unsolicited responses have been received bythe controlling SOAC, the controlling SOAC analyzes the statuses anddetermines the appropriate response (if any) to return to the SOP.Assignment data returned by involved SOACs is linked by the controllingSOAC before it is sent to the SOP. Besides communicating with the SOP,the controlling SOAC is also responsible for communicating with allother order level SOAC interfaces, such as TFS. SOAC also records thepass of a service order. The pass identifies the current phase of theorder as determined by the service order issuance group. There are fivepass types as described below:

1. Pre-completion (PRE)--The initial issuance of a service order.

2. Correction (COR)--A change to the initial service order prior tocompletion in the SOP.

3. Post Completion (PCN)--Notification that the service order has beencompleted without corrections in the SOP.

4. Completion with Correction (CPC)--A completion notice that identifieschanges made to the service order at the time it was worked. This passalso completes the service order in the SOP. If a CPC pass is sent andSOAC detects that the changes may affect assignment, SOAC sends a noticeto the service provisioning work center. IF necessary, the user updatesthe LFACS and/or COSMOS databases.

5. Cancellation (CAN) notification that the service order has beencancelled.

SOAC reads the changes on each new pass of a service order. If a CORpass is sent and changes are needed on the assignment, FACS attempts toautomatically reassign the service with the necessary changes.

The service order is parsed out by SOAC and a determination is made asto whether there is a loop facility required for the order. AnAssignment Request (AR) is made to the Loop Facility Assignment andControl System (LFACS) 112 where a loop facility is requested for thespecified address. LFACS maintains a mechanized inventory of outsideplant facilities, (e.g., facility addresses, cables, cable pairs,serving terminals, cross connection devices, loops, etc.) and assignsthe outside plant facilities to ARs (Assignment Requests) received fromSOAC as a result of customer service order activity. LFACS sends thisassignment back to SOAC via ARRs. LFACS also generates work sheets forcable transfers and reconcentrations. These activities are updatedmechanically upon notification of completion.

In addition, LFACS changes existing loop inventory with maintenancechange activity and facility modifications via transactions input intothe system by the user. Information once contained in Dedicated PlantAssignment Cards (DPAC) and Exchange Customer Cables Records (ECCR) foruse in the manual assignment process is now maintained in an automateddata base. As a consequence of assignment requests from the ServiceOrder Analysis and Control (SOAC) system or inquiries from LoopAssignment Center (LAC) personnel, LFACS applies appropriate algorithmsto information contained in the data base in order to provideappropriate responses.

The LFACS assignment process consists of two parts: the blockingfunction and the assignment function. The blocking function identifiesthe serving terminal. The automatic assignment function uses informationprovided by the blocking function in conjunction with an assignmentalgorithm appropriate for the type of service requested. The automaticassignment function can select reserved, connect-through, committed andspare pairs. Given that an assignment cannot be made in one of the aboveways, a pair can be selected by breaking a connect-through which hasremained idle for longer than a specified time period (overaged),performing a line and station transfer, breaking an underagedconnect-through or some combination of these. The order of the selectionof pairs is controlled by parameters specified at the terminal or wirecenter level. In addition to automatic processing, LFACS supports acapability which allows a user to manually select and assign any OSPfacilities.

The LFACS administration of circuit terminations and facilities allowsfor single-loop single-line circuit terminations, multi-loop single-linecircuit terminations, and multi-party circuit terminations with the useof appropriate bridging rules. Two or more circuit terminations mayshare a common facility (i.e., cross-box or field bridging).

LFACS supports the assignment and administration of multiple outsideplant, dedicated outside plant, and serving area concept. This includesthe specific types of hardware associated with each type ofadministration. The LFACS assignment function processes customerinitiated inward, outward and change activity for circuit terminations.

SOAC matches the address from PREMIS to a possible address in LFACS. Ifa match is found it proceeds with processing by matching that to aterminal serving the address. It then begins to select a pair back tothe central office. Once this is completed the Assignment RequestResponse (ARR) is sent back to SOAC and the loop part of the connectionis fixed.

SOAC makes an assignment request to the Computer System for MainframeOperations (COSMOS) 114 via Work Manager (WM) 116 or SWITCH 118. The WMlinks COSMOS to the other FACS components. Inquiries and transactions toCOSMOS are sent through the WM which controls the load level of themessage delivered to COSMOS. If COSMOS fails, the WM stores the ARs(Assignment Requests) generated by SOAC during the down time anddistributes them to COSMOS when it is restored.

COSMOS maintains an inventory of central office facilities (e.g., officeequipment (OE), tie pairs (TP), bridge lifters (BL), telephone numbers(TN). COSMOS assists the Network Administration (NAC) and Frame ControlCenters (FCC) in managing, controlling, and utilizing main distributingframe and central office equipment, facilities, and circuits. The systemperforms preferential assignment of line equipment, frame jumper reuse,tie pair management for Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), frame workmanagement and includes extensive reporting capabilities.

COSMOS receives ARs from SOAC after a successful LFACS assignment andautomatically assigns line equipment and certain miscellaneous centraloffice equipment. COSMOS responds back to SOAC with ARRs. Cabletransfers and reconcentrations generated by LFACS are automaticallyestablished in COSMOS. These transactions can be manually input intoCOSMOS if necessary.

The SWITCH system is an operations system to inventory and assigncentral office switching equipment and related facilities. It allowscompanies to provision, efficiently and economically, a network that iscomprised of both digital and analog technologies. The SWITCH systemprovides improved computing methodology and a new database structure tosupport quick incorporation of new technological developments and toaccommodate differences in technology between vendors. The SWITCH systemwill support digital and other new technologies/services in a single,integrated, flow-through provisioning system. In particular, the SWITCHsystem is designed to handle ISDN inventory and assignment requirements,and to facilitate ISDN flow-through provisioning. The SWITCH system isalso designed to support inventory and flow-through assignmentcapabilities as appropriate for digital overlay networks and integrateddigital facilities.

The SWITCH system will provide integrated inventory and flow-throughassignment control for circuit switches, packet switches, ISDN switches,derived channel technologies, and for any associated transmissionequipment and intra-office facilities (e.g., tie pairs) required tosupport the provisioning of these switches and technologies. SWITCH isdesigned to support integrated line and trunk side provisioningrequirements and will ultimately replace and expand both COSMOS and TASfunctionality.

COSMOS or SWITCH takes the facility that it obtained from LFACS andtries to find a match. Also PREMIS selects a Telephone Number and COSMOSattempts to match the facility, the F1 facility, and the TelephoneNumber. If a match is secured it assigns office equipment.

After SOAC gets the service order and determines what to do and sendsthe assignment request to LFACS, it sends a planning message to the Workand Force Administration/Dispatch Out (WFA/DO) 120 and providesnotification that there is a need to make a determination if there isany outside work to be done. After the assignment request response hascome back from COSMOS, information is sent to Memory AdministrationCheck System (MARCH) 122 for memory administration work and it is alsosent to the Remote Intelligent Distribution Element Support System(RIDES) 124 which handles the fiber electronics, if required. A WorkManager (WM) 126 is disposed between SOAC and MARCH. After the assignedservice order is received at WFA/DO a mechanized loop test is initiatedby the Loop Maintenance Operation System (LMOS) 128. After the serviceis completed, the LMOS host 130 will receive a completed service orderfor record maintenance.

Service orders that do not automatically flow through the provisioningprocess fall out of automatic processing and are managed by the LACOperations Management System (LOMS) 132. LOMS assists the MechanizedLoop Assignment Center (MLAC) in management of Requests for ManualAssistance (RMAs). The primary function of LOMS includes the creation ofwork packages for assignment personnel and monitoring the flow of ordersthrough FACS and the service provisioning work group. This state of theart provisioning process may require up to two days to complete.

Two important work centers interface with FACS. These work groups arethe Frame Control Center (FCC), and the Installation Control Center(ICC).

The FCC is responsible for the administrative, force control, workcontrol, and analysis functions associated with the installation andmaintenance of cross-connects of loop, special service, carrier, andmessage trunk circuits and their associated activities in centraloffices. The center is responsible or providing related order status andwork completion information to the support systems, COSMOS and the TIRKSsystem, or to Order or Circuit Control Centers. The centers will also beresponsible for the support of facility maintenance, sectionalizationand/or substitution of facilities in connection with failures detectedby routing testing or customer complaints.

The ICC has responsibility for and performs the administrative functionsassociated with work activities including:

Installation Force Management,

Order tracking,

Work assignment and dispatch,

Field-force coordination and progress tracking,

Force planning,

Prepost completion dispatch testing, and

Completion notification to the service order centers and to the customerwhen required.

The ICC performs these functions for installation work groups, which arethe field forces responsible for installation of the service drop,protector, network channel terminating equipment, network terminatingwork, and network interface. The ICC interfaces with FACS through WFA/DOthe Work and Force Administration/Dispatch-out system. This interface isoptional and is not installed in all companies. Where WFA/DO and itsinterface to FACS do not exist, the ICC gets its information from FACSas a function of the normal service order flow. The WFA/DO interfacespeeds the process and provides additional automation to assist the workin the ICC.

As discussed above, FACS is designed to optimize the assignment orprovisioning of customer facilities. Accordingly, FACS will often reusecustomer facilities in order to achieve the main objectives of FACSwhich is to conserve customer facilities, i.e., outside plant or OE.FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of outside plant facilities for a firstcombination of customer locations. As illustrated in FIG. 7, customerlocations 201, 203, 205 are connected to central office 200 viadifferent combinations of outside plant facilities including cable pairs202a, 204a, 206a and cable pairs 202b, 204b, 204c via cross connectdevices 208 and 210. Customer location 201 is connected to CO 200 viacable pair 206a and terminal 210a in cross connect device 208. Customerlocation 203 is connected to CO 200 via cable pair 204a and cable pair204b by connecting cable 212b which connects terminals 210b and 214b incross connect device 208, and terminal 218b in cross connect device 216.Finally, customer location 205 is connected to CO 200 via cable pair202a and 202b by connecting cable 212c which connects terminals 210c and214c in cross connect device 208, and cable 220c which connectsterminals 218c and 222c in cross connect device 216. As can be seen,multiple cable pairs are installed or positioned along the area ofcustomer locations 201,203,205, and not all of the cable pairs areutilized. This type of arrangement of outside plant facilitates theadaptability of outside plant to changing conditions of the variouscustomer locations in the area of cross connect devices 208, 216.

FIG. 8 is a detailed diagram of outside plant facilities for a secondcombination of customer locations which has altered the firstcombination of customer locations. In FIG. 8, customer location 205 hasbeen disconnected via a disconnect request executed by the BusinessOffice and entered via a disconnect service order in the SOP. During thesame relevant time period, a new service request has been initiated bycustomer 207 at the Business Office and entered via a new connectservice order in the SOP.

Both the disconnect and new connect service orders are transmitted toSOAC which sends each of the requests to LFACS for outside plantprovisioning. Since, as indicated above, LFACS will attempt to optimizeoutside plant facilities by minimizing the outlay of new cable pairs andreuse of existing outside plant facilities, LFACS will often break theexisting connection 212c in cross connect device 208 at 224, andreassign terminal 210c to the new customer location 207. A work order isthen issued for an installer to make the appropriate changes to theoutside plant facilities.

FIG. 9 is a detailed diagram of office equipment facilities for a firstcombination of customer locations. In FIG. 9, stored programmed controlswitch 230 will connect incoming telephone calls to destinations byconnecting the incoming call to, for example, different central officeframes which will be described. For example, an incoming telephone callmay arrive in the central office in frame 246c at frame location 248c.Frames 246a, 246b, 246c, 246d may be located at a first floor are a 245of the central office building.

The incoming call is then transferred to frame location 242c in frame240c bearing the office equipment used to provide the specific callingfeatures requested by the customer location. Frames 240a, 240b, 240c maybe located at a seperate floor area of 241 the central office. Thecables 244a, 244b, 244c which connect frames 246a, 246b, 246c, 246d toframes 240a, 240b, 240c are commonly referred to as "jumper" cables.Frames 240a, 240b, 240c are then connected to switch 230 at switchconnections 236a, 236b, 236c via cables 238a, 238b, 238c. From switchconnections 236a, 236b, 236c, the incoming call may be transferred toanother customer location or to another central office via, for example,trunk frame 235 at location 234 from switch location 232. Storedprogrammed control switch 230 and trunk frame 235 maybe located an thesame floor or on a different floor than floor areas 241 and 245.

FIG. 10 is a detailed diagram of office equipment facilities for asecond combination of customer locations which has altered the firstcombination of customer locations. In FIG. 10, a first customer locationwhich utilized the OE on frame 246b at location 248b has beendisconnected via a disconnect request executed by the Business Officeand entered via a disconnect service order in the SOP. During the samerelevant time period, a new service request has been initiated byanother customer at the Business Office and entered via a new connectservice order in the SOP. The second customer has been provisioned onframe 246b at location 254.

Both the disconnect and new connect service orders are transmitted toSOAC which sends each of the requests to COSMOS or SWITCH for officeequipment provisioning, depending on the particular type of storedprogrammable switching equipment. Since, as indicated above, COSMOS orSWITCH will attempt to optimize office equipment facilities byminimizing the use of new office equipment, minimize the length ofjumpers between frames, and reuse existing office equipment facilities,COSMOS or SWITCH will often not reuse the existing connection 244b at250, and reassign a new jumper cable 252 for the second customerlocation. A work order is then issued to the central office for frameinstallers to make the appropriate changes to the office equipmentfacilities.

FIG. 11 is a detailed diagram of office equipment facilities for a firstcombination of customer locations. FIG. 11 illustrates the variousconnections within a frame at the central office. In FIG. 11, frame 254connects three customer locations at entrance points 256a, 256b, 256c tooffice equipment connected to out going frame locations 260a, 260b, 260cvia jumper cables 258a, 258b, 258c. Jumper cables 258a, 258b,258c are tosome extent disorganized, and longer than necessary, therebyinefficiently utilizing jumper cable facilities.

In order to correct the problem of inefficient allocation orprovisioning of jumper cables, COSMOS or SWITCH in the FACS provisioningsystem will reorganize the jumper cables as illustrated in FIG. 12.Thus, frame 254 will connect customer entrance points 262a, 262b, 262cto office equipment accessed by cables 266a, 266b, 266c via jumpers264a, 264b, 264c, thereby minimizing the jumper length and conservinguse of the jumper cables. Accordingly, a frame installer will bedispatched to make the necessary changes to frame 254.

While the above goals of maximizing reuse of customer facilitiesincluding outside plant facilities and office equipment facilities hasbeen a long standing and traditional objective or goal of all telephonecompanies for over one hundred years, we have discovered that thebenefits of reusing customer facilities are not sufficient to outweighthe disadvantages of requiring installers to be dispatched to make thenecessary alterations to customer facilities.

In addition, we have discovered that in the overwhelming majority ofsituations, when a customer location disconnects telephone service, forexample, when a customer is moving to a different location, anothercustomer will typically move into the previous customer location andrequest new telephone service which is typically compatible with theprevious customer facilities.

We have further discovered that it is more beneficial to maintain theexisting connections to customer facilities for a particular customerlocation, since it is likely another customer will move into thedisconnected customer location in the near future, thereby eliminatingthe need to dispatch installers to install outside plant or officeequipment facilities.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is a feature and advantage of the present invention to maintain theexisting connections to customer facilities for a particular customerlocation, since it is likely another customer will move into thedisconnected customer location in the near future, thereby eliminatingthe need to dispatch installers to install outside plant or officeequipment facilities.

Previous efforts to reduce provisioning costs and improve provisioningservices have focused on improving the flow of work through the existingprovisioning steps which have been described. This approach seeks toimprove an underlying process that was developed to support provisioningin an analog copper facilities environment. In essence it seeks toimprove flow-through. In contrast to this, the present invention isintended to provide an essentially no-flow paradigm where most servicerequests move directly from service negotiation to service activationwithout going through current largely unnecessary assignment processes.The system of the invention fully supports provisioning of services andalso facilitates future enhancements to support provisioning ofvideo-on-demand (VOD), ISDN and other advanced services.

The objects of the invention include reducing the operating cost ofprovisioning business functions, such as Install Inside and InstallOutside; increasing the reliability of providing on-time, error-freeservice by reducing the number of orders that require manual assistance;increasing the flexibility of the provisioning process to support theactivation of a new product or service quickly and inexpensively;enhancing customer service and customer retention by providing fasteraccess to all products and services; providing a strong long-terminformation infrastructure that meets the needs of the existing productsand provides a foundation that can handle the requirements of newproducts.

According to the present invention there is provided a Ready-To-Serve(RTS) Adjunct Processor (AP) and associated storage which eliminates theflow of orders through the multiple current systems described above.Because the service activation process is totally re-engineered, serviceorders may be eliminated. This is accomplished through an integratedinventory management approach which dramatically decreases networkchurn. This approach permits the elimination of PREMIS and allows theRTS processor to control TNs and addresses and to effect a greaterdegree of communication with the Memory Administration Systems.

According to the invention there is provided in an administration systemfor a public switched telephone network which includes an attendantstation for receiving service requests and collecting customerinformation, credit verification means, service order processing (SOP)means for creating and distributing service orders for processing bydownstream processing systems such as Service Order Analysis and Control(SOAC) means, a Computer System for Mainframe Operations (COSMOS) means,SWITCH means, and Loop Facility Assignment and Control System (LFACS)means; and Adjunct Processor (AP) means having storage for storing dataincluding Living Unit (LU) data, network facility data and TelephoneNumber (TN) data; and using such system to provide serviceimplementation through the steps of:

receiving at the attendant station a request for service;

determining the reason for the request and customer informationincluding customer name and service address;

checking credit;

using the customer information to determine from the AP the facility andservices available;

selecting a TN from the AP;

recapping the service request with the customer;

determining if the service request is eligible for handling by the AP;

if not eligible, issuing a service order;

if eligible, initiating processing by the AP;

determining in the AP whether Work and Force Administration (WFA) actionis necessary, and if so, preparing and dispatching a message to WFA;

determining in the AP whether a Memory Administration System (MAS) isinvolved and, if so, creating a Translation Packet (TP) and sending theTP to the MAS;

creating a Recent Change (RC) message in response to the TP anddispatching the message to the switch;

updating the data in the AP in response to confirmation of completion ofthe WFA action and the switch translation;

generating and dispatching a completion message from the AP to the SOP;and

preparing a completed service order for distribution and distributingthe same.

In another aspect of the present invention, an administration system fora public switched telephone network (PSTN) includes a first automaticservice order processing system which receives a service request from acustomer requesting service. When the service request is eligible, thefirst automatic service order processing system automatically provisionsfirst customer facilities to execute the service request based uponfirst information stored by the first automatic service order processingsystem, the first information including customer identification data andcustomer facility data. The first information is maintained by the firstautomatic service order processing system without altering the customerfacility data when a disconnect request is received from the customer.When the service request is not eligible, the first automatic serviceorder processing system generates a provisioning request. Theadministration system also includes a second automatic service orderprocessing system operatively connected to the first automatic serviceorder processing system. The second automatic service order processingsystem receives the provisioning request from the first automaticservice order processing system and automatically provisions secondcustomer facilities to execute the service request. The second automaticservice order processing system is not required to maintain the customerfacility data when a disconnect request is received from the customer.

The present invention also features an administration method for apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) including an attendant stationfor receiving service requests. The method includes receiving a servicerequest from a customer at a living unit requesting service, anddetermining whether the living unit had previously been equipped withcustomer facilities for service. When the living unit has not beenpreviously equipped with the customer facilities, the method includesautomatically provisioning customer equipment to execute the servicerequest based upon information including customer identification dataand customer facilities. The information is maintained without alteringthe customer facilities when a subsequent disconnect request is receivedfrom the customer. When the living unit has been previously equippedwith the customer facilities, the method includes determining whetherthe service request corresponding to a living unit is eligible forprovisioning using the customer facilities previously utilized by theliving unit. When the service request is eligible, the method includesautomatically provisioning the customer equipment to execute the servicerequest based upon the information including the customer identificationdata and the customer facilities previously used at the living unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is diagram illustrating the basic structure or arrangement (priorart) of the customer and telephone company facilities for providingtelephone service or connection between a telephone caller and atelephone receiver destination.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing current (prior art) PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN) provisioning.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are flow-charts illustrating current (prior art)service activation flow.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of the current(prior art) PSTN administration system.

FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of (prior art) outside plant facilities fora first combination of customer locations.

FIG. 8 is a detailed diagram (prior art) of outside plant facilities fora second combination of customer locations which has altered the firstcombination of customer locations.

FIG. 9 is a detailed diagram (prior art) of office equipment facilitiesfor a first combination of customer locations.

FIG. 10 is a detailed diagram (prior art) of office equipment facilitiesfor a second combination of customer locations which has altered thefirst combination of customer locations.

FIG. 11 is a detailed diagram (prior art) of office equipment facilitiesfor a first combination of customer locations illustrating inefficientuse of jumper cables.

FIG. 12 is a detailed diagram (prior art) of office equipment facilitiesfor a first combination of customer locations illustrating efficient useof jumper cables by altering existing central office facilities.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of thepreferred embodiment of the invention for administration of a PSTN.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow-charts illustrating the methodology of thesystem of the invention in performing service activation.

BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 13 there is shown a block diagram of the architectureof the system used in implementing the preferred embodiment of theinvention. The Ready-To-Serve (RTS) Adjunct Processor (AP) is indicatedat 136 and includes storages or memories 138, 140 and 142. While thesememories are illustrated as separate items it will be understood that asingle storage may be utilized and is preferred. The RTS is connected tothe Sales Service Negotiation System (SSNS) and Common Service OrderProcessor (CSOP) 144. The SSNS comprises a graphical user interfacesystem that presents information to service representatives from avariety of systems and platforms in a window format to assistnegotiation of services and inquiries. The CSOP translates servicerequests from SSNS into service order format and reverts.

The RTS processor and its storage or memories store an inventory of datawhich includes address information, network facility data and TelephoneNumber data. Addresses are associated with specific network facilitydata that will serve the address. Customers are associated with theaddress being served by the network. Included in the customerinformation is the Telephone Number of the customer and the type ofservice which is provided. Customer data also includes informationconcerning the current and previous customers, service, and status ofeach.

In general the RTS builds, maintains, and deletes information about theLiving Unit (LU) address. This information is provided as required forthe service negotiation process and is used in the processing of serviceactivation requests. The customer information associated with the LUaddress supports access to customer data which includes existing andformer customer names, class of service, telephone number, status of theZine, and disconnect reason.

The RTS validates address information provided by the customer at thetime of service negotiation for a service request and provides all LUinformation associated with the address to the service negotiator. RTSprovides capability to search by partial or full address, customer name,and telephone number. RTS contains all LU addresses regardless of theexisting service type including both residential and business addresses.RTS LU databases are initially compiled from a combination of availabledata sources including PREMIS, LFACS, CRIS (Customer Records InformationSystem), LMOS, and 911.

In general RTS builds, maintains, and deletes information common to arange of addresses. These ranges are modifiable for specific addresseswithin an area. This information is provided as required for the servicenegotiation process along with LU information and is used in theprocessing of service activation requests. The information is currentlyreferred to as Street Address Guide (SAG) information and is containedin the existing PREMIS database. The RTS also builds, maintains, anddeletes information about the Facility Information serving a LU address.This information is provided as required to the service negotiationprocess for use in the processing of service activation requests and inproviding assignment data to other downstream systems.

The RTS Facility Information includes living units specific facilityinformation. This facility information includes outside and centraloffice facility data normally listed on the service order, such as:Outside facility data-cable and pair for F1, F2, FN; terminal addressesfor distribution and feeder; status; and central office facility data;F1 cable and pair location; Office Equipment (OE) and location andstatus.

The RTS provides capability to search by facility data and providefacility information and status. The RTS maintains a real-time view ofthe network facilities inventoried in LFACS and COSMOS. RTS performsupdates to the facility data resulting in activity from the facilityinventory systems including LFACS and COSMOS/SWITCH. These may resultfrom network rearrangements in the form of Engineering Work Orders,maintenance changes, database reconciliations and other service orderactivity.

RTS also stores and maintains telephone numbers for all residentialservices and small business services. These are administered in RTSwhich controls the status and aging of such telephone numbers. Telephonenumbers will be provided as required to the service negotiation process,for use in the processing of service activation requests, and inproviding to other downstream systems. RTS has the capability to define,assign and change the status of a telephone number and will ageresidential and small business telephone numbers and make them availablefor reassignment after proper aging. RTS updates the telephone numberdatabase as a result of customer service requests, databasereconciliations with other systems, and changes initiated by otherinventory systems. The telephone number database is built from existingsources including COSMOS/SWITCH, LFACS, and Customer Records InformationSystem (CRIS), which is the billing system for exchange services.

RTS stores and maintains an association for the Access Path. Thisassociation relates a specific LU address to a specific outside facilityand office equipment and has a related customer and telephone number.RTS maintains a real-time view of the network facilities inventoried inLFACS and COSMOS. RTS performs updates to the Access Path data due tochanges in LFACS and COSMOS/SWITCH. While RTS has the capabilities toalter various data associated with a customer address, it is the goal ofRTS to maintain the network or customer facility assignments in tact,under all circumstances for which RTS is applicable. Accordingly, theservice request is first transmitted to RTS to determine whether thesame facilities can be provisioned to the customer, without optimizingoutside plant and office equipment facilities which would be performedby LFACS, SWITCH and COSMOS. RTS, therefore, eliminates the potentialreworking or re-assignment of customer facilities under mostcircumstances which LFACS, COSMOS and SWITCH will attempt for eachservice order request. Thus, RTS minimizes the amount of unnecessaryinstallation work with the realization that the customer facilityassignments may not be optimal.

In service request processing RTS has the ability to search by address,telephone number, customer name or SSN. RTS assigns a unique identifierto each service request which allows users and other systems to trackand inquire about specific service requests. RTS also extracts servicerequest data relevant to RTS processing and determines if a servicerequest is RTS eligible or if the request must be sent to a ServiceOrder Processor for processing.

RTS provides an interface to implement interaction between facilitiesand the Service Request. Thus, RTS determines if the service requestrequires dispatch for customer premises work and, if so, creates datapackets containing service request information which are sent to WFA/DO.

RTS determines if an Activation Message is required for the ServiceRequest and the Memory Administration Systems involved. RTS then createsand distributes activation messages to the various Memory AdministrationSystems. RTS also interfaces with MARCH to send activation messages andreceive acknowledgement of work completed or error in processing.

RTS receives requests from other systems both in real time and batchmodes. These systems include SSNS (Sales Service Negotiation System),SOP, EAMI (Exchange Access Mechanized Input) for processing PrimaryInterexchange Carrier (PIC) orders, and ASTR (Automatic SuspensionTermination Referral) for processing Suspension, Denial, Restoral andDisconnect orders.

RTS has the functionality to alter and manage distributions depending onthe type of service request. Thus, RTS transmits data to SOP, WFA/DO,MARCH and the other Memory Administration Systems as required. RTSreceives facility status requests from inventory systems and transmitsthe facility status back to the requesting system.

RTS provides reports of various types including reports detailinginformation regarding the RTS data inventory, the volume of informationprocessed by RTS, capacity available, time of processing requests ofdifferent types, and number of requests processed.

In order for RTS to accomplish the foregoing certain existing elementsin the system are modified. Thus, SSNS is modified to interface with RTSfor address, TN, customer, and service request information. LFACS andCOSMOS status facilities as RTS, LFACS and COSMOS work without thecurrent working/idle facility status. COSMOS loads business TNs intoRTS. WFA/DO interfaces with RTS for dispatch requests and confirmations.RTS interfaces with MARCH for activation messages and configurations.RTS distributes to the other MA systems. SOP accepts an order from SSNS.SOP must also be able to accept the completion trigger from RTS andmatch it with a service order in its pending files.

As seen in FIG. 13, RTS 136 is also linked to other elements of thesystem including MARCH 122, WFA 120, SOP 106, SOAC 110, LFACS 112,COSMOS 114, and other MA systems 146. A link to a third net and itsconnected elements is provided at 148. SOP 106 is linked to SOAC at 110for handling those requests which are not RTS eligible.

The method of operation of this preferred embodiment of the invention isnow described in connection with the flow chart in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring to FIG. 14, at 150 the customer service representativedetermines the customer's address and the reason for the call. This maybe for ordering service, making bill payment arrangements, registering adeposit, or calling for service maintenance. The call is handled ortransferred according to need. If the customer is calling for newservice or a change to existing service, the process proceeds to 152.

At 152 the customer service representative gathers the necessaryinformation including the name of the calling party, the name of thecustomer, and the service address. If this is a new customer, theservice representative may also obtain employment history, date ofbirth, SSN, and previous address information. The billing name andaddress is determined if different from the service address. Therepresentative also ascertains how the customer wishes there service tobe listed, the numbers and types of directories, calling cards, and anydisclosures that are required.

At 154 the customer's credit history is checked using internal andexternal data sources. Through this step at 154 the process has been thesame as that described in the current system illustrated in FIGS. 2 and5. At 156 the service representative takes the customer service addressinformation provided and uses the adjunct processor referred to as "RTS"136 in FIG. 13 to verify the address, determine the working status ofthe address and determine the serving wire center and other commonaddress information such as community and tax codes. Based on the wirecenter serving the customer, the service representative is able todetermine what services are available to the customer.

At 158 the Assignment Section Information is retrieved from RTSincluding the network address such as cable, pair, binding post, timeslot identification, etc. From this information a determination can bemade whether the address is RTS eligible, what services may be offeredto the customer, and whether the requested service may be provided overthe existing network.

At 160 service is negotiated with the customer, matching the customerneeds with the available services as at 18 in FIG. 3. At 162 theinstallation time is scheduled and due date for service negotiated as instep 20 in FIG. 3.

At 164 the selection of Telephone Number is now made from RTS whichcontains all TNs and also assists in administration of those numbers.Administration of TNs includes the categories, status and availabilityof the TN. This TN is based on the wire center serving the area and theavailability of the TN. RTS supports the selection of a preferred orspecial TN by the customer.

At 166 the service representative recaps the service request to insurethat the customer order accurately reflects the customer requirements asin step 24 in FIG. 3.

At 168 a determination is made to identify the service request as RTSeligible. This eligibility is based on the address being served, thestatus of network facilities and the services requested. If the servicerequest is RTS eligible, the request is sent to RTS 136 in FIG. 13 forprocessing. If the service request is not RTS eligible, the request maybe processed in the current service activation process environment. Thisis indicated at 170 where a conventional service order is issuedfollowed by the remainder of the current service order processing steps.

If the service request can be processed by RTS it is received by RTS at172 in FIG. 14. The service request is received by RTS and validated andchecked for format accuracy and RTS eligibility at 174 in FIG. 15. At176 RTS places the service request in a log for further use andidentification. This permits a check of the status of the request at anypoint during RTS processing.

At 178 RTS associates service request types as appropriate beforeprocessing them through the RTS environment. This includes but is notlimited to: sequencing "in" and "out" service requests, associatingcorrected service requests with the original request or processingsupplemental changes of a service request in process. At 180 adetermination is made as to where the request needs to be processed andin what sequence. Processing includes the Memory Administration System(MAS) that must receive an activation message based on the requestedproducts and services. A determination is also made as to whether or nota dispatch or test is required.

If a dispatch or a test is required a message is created and sent to theWork and Force system at 182. This message includes all necessaryinformation to complete the work request including assignment data. Ifother work in the field or in the central office is required this iscompleted and reported back to the appropriate center or system asindicated at 184.

At 180 RTS also determines if a Memory Administration System (MAS) isinvolved in the request and, if so, determines if it has the requiredinformation to prepare a translation packet to send to the MAS. Thetranslation packet (TP) is then created and sent to the MAS. The TP isreceived and validated in the Memory Administration System and the MASdetermines what needs to be done to complete the request. The MAScreates a machine readable message (RC message) specific to the switchto receive the message. The Recent Change (RC) message is created tomatch the vendor's specific switch type and generic at 186. If the RCmessage is accepted by the switch, the switch updates the informationassociated with the switch equipment and telephone number on the RCmessage at 188.

When the Work and Force system completes a job a completion confirmationis dispatched to the RTS from the Work and Force system and from theMemory Administration System and RTS then updates the inventoryfacilities, telephone numbers and LU addresses at 190 to reflect thecompleted service request. The Service Request Order Trail is updatedwhen each task associated with a service request is completed. When alltasks associated with a service request have been completed in the RTSprocessing environment, completion information is formatted fortransmission to the service order processor at 192.

After completion of the service request the completion information issent to the SOP at 194. This information may include the completion timeand date, any changes to the service order and any billing informationthat needs added time and material charges. At 196 the SOP receives thecompletion information and prepares the completed service order fordistribution and determines the distribution list. The completed serviceorder is then distributed to all systems requiring the information.

As a result of the new system and method it is possible to reduce thetime between request and activation of service from up to two days to amatter of minutes. In many instances it is possible to activate theservice prior to ending the service request call. As a result of the newsystem and method it is possible to reduce the operating cost ofprovisioning business functions such as Install Inside and InstallOutside, increase the reliability of providing on time, error-freeservice by reducing the number of orders that require manual assistancethereby increasing the flexibility of the provisioning process tosupport the activation of a new product or service quickly andinexpensively, enhance customer services and customer retention byproviding faster access to all products and services, and provide astrong long-term information infra structure that meets the needs of theexisting products and provides a foundation that can handle therequirements of new products.

In addition, the new system and method support SSNS negotiation byproviding information that is currently provided by PREMIS. RTS providestelephone numbers for selection, address verification and suggestions,and RTS eligibility information. RTS stores and maintains all addressinformation including common and living unit address information forboth business and residential addresses. All telephone numbers areselected from RTS. However, the administration (classification andmaintenance of status) of telephone numbers are split. RTS administersall residential telephone numbers and COSMOS continues to administerbusiness telephone numbers. RTS does not provision facilities butinstead maintains the status of a fixed assembly from the central officeto the living unit. As service requests are processed by RTS thefacilities remain fixed and only the customer information and servicesare updated. RTS creates activation messages for other MARCH and othermemory administration systems, such as VMAP (Voice Mail AdjunctProcessor) and MSP (Multi-Services Platform), required to produce recentchange messages which update switch memory.

It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent invention fulfills all of the objects set forth above. Afterreading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be ableto effect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and variousother aspects of the invention as broadly disclosed herein. It istherefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only bythe definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

GLOSSARY/ACRONYMS

AHN--Assigned House Number--Used to identify living units inprovisioning systems for non-addressed areas.

AIN--Advanced Intelligent Network.

AIRS--Automatic Inventory Record System--A system used to create andmaintain telephone numbers. This system is being replaced by COSMOS.

AR--Assignment Request--Message sent from SOAC to LFACS to request anoutside loop facility. Also sent from SOAC to COSMOS requesting aninside central office facility.

ARR--Assignment Request Response--The message sent in response to theAssignment Request from LFACS and COSMOS.

ASTR--Automatic Suspension Termination Restoral--ASTR generates requeststo terminate or restore residential service for nonpayment.

ARS--Automated Records System--Engineering design system.

CUS--CUstomer Service System--billing system.

SOP/DOE--Service Order Processor/Direct Order Entry.

BOSS--Billing Order Support System--Used by Residence and BusinessService Centers to assist service representatives with billing inquiriesand services. Interfaces with CRIS and provides: 1) current monthlybill; 2) previous bill; 3) payments; 4) audit trail of account history(i.e., payment arrangements, discussions regarding service, record ofcontacts).

BSC--Business Service Center.

CCF--Custom Calling Feature--Defines a particular feature which is partof a customer's service. It can be identified by either a USOC or a FID.

CDDS--Customer Director Delivery System.

CF--Connected Facilities--A provisioning description of a facility thatconnects cable and pair from the central office to the living unit butis not considered the primary service.

CLASS--Custom Local Area Signaling Service--CLASS services includingCaller ID, Repeat Call, Return Call, Call Block and Call Trace.

CNF--Connected Facility--A CNF's loop is a nonworking loop that hascontinuity between the LU and either the Central Office or a RemoteSwitching Unit. It does not qualify for CT administration but is givenpreference for assignment at a living unit over spare facilities.

COF--Central Office Facilities.

COSMOS--COmputer System for Mainframe Operations Manages the centraloffice facility inventory including OE and TNs.

CP--Cable Pair.

CRIS--Customer Records Information System--The billing system forexchange services.

Cross-connect--A cross-connect refers to either a physical jumper cableor an electronic connection which connects two cable pair segmentstogether. For example, a specific F1 cable pair may be cross-connectedto a F2 cable pair via a jumper cable in a serving terminal.Cross-connects allow flexibility in the manner that a specific loop isassembled.

CRSAB--Centralized Repair Service Answering Bureau The unit that acceptscustomer trouble calls, performs cursory testing and passes informationto Installation and Maintenance.

CSOP--Common Service Order Processor--Translates service request fromSSNS into service order format and reverse.

CT--Connect-Through--A CT'd loop is a non-working loop that hascontinuity between the living unit (LU) and either the Central Office ora Remote Switching Unit and is designated as CT. LFACS only creates oneCT per living unit and it receives preferential status for furtherassignment at that living unit.

Customer Contact--The business functions performed by representatives ofthe residence Service Centers or Residence Collection Centers to meetthe needs of customers.

DD--Due Date--The date in which a customer's request is scheduled to becompleted.

DIP--Dedicated Inside Plant--A DIP refers to a jumper cable which is notremoved when services is disconnected. A DIP is created so that thejumper cable may be reused when service is reestablished at the sameliving unit, thereby saving the manual labor cost required to replacethe jumper cable. The "DIP'd" jumper cable will receive a status of"left-in", or LI. COSMOS will create and break DIPs based on presetparameters.

DON--Delayed Order Notice--Message indicating that a service requestwill be delayed because of the lack of facilities.

DNP--Disconnect for Non-Payment.

DSDC--Distribution Services Design Center--Work group responsible fordesigns of the outside facilities, also responsible for entering newaddress and inventory data into LFACS, COSMOS and PREMIS.

DSPC--Distribution Services Planning Center--Monitors the state of thecurrent facilities in order to plan for the creation of new facilities.

EAMI--Exchange Access Mechanized Input system--A batch process (tape) ofcustomer accounts who have selected specific inter-exchange carriers tobe their long distance provider. Data is used to update the CRIS billingsystems and the switch.

ESOI--Error Service Order Image--Message sent from SOAC to the SOP ifthe service order fails defined edits or other conditions.

ET--Enhanced Teams--A uniform call distribution network that evenlydistributes customer calls to appropriate RSCs and BSCs.

EWO--Engineering Work Order--Work request to modify network facilities,created by engineering and sent to construction for networkmodifications.

FA--Facility Address.

FACS--Facilities Assignment and Control System Includes SOAC, LFACS,COSMOS, LOMS and WM.

FCC--Frame Control Center--Work group responsible for the coordinationof inside network facility activities such as placing jumpers between OEand the F1 cable pair.

FCIF--Flexible Computer Interface Format--A data interface language thatcan be used to exchange data (messages) between twoapplications/processes. The FCIF language is independent of thecommunication protocol. It is the current Bellcore standard for definingOS-to-OS interfaces.

FID--Field IDentifier--Used on service orders that indicates more datawill follow. A label on a service order that prefaces service orderinformation. FIDs are alpha or alphanumeric codes that identify retainedinformation on an account, indicate physical or record activity,generate or negate non-recurring charges, specify recurring charges,document work done by various departments and identify facilities usedto provide service.

FIDO--Fast Input Directory Order (system)--A computer system used byService Representatives to order secondary or foreign telephonedirectories (directories outside of the customer's calling area).

First Net Order--A pending service order that is in its original state,as created by the Service Representative.

FITL--Fiber in the Loop.

F1, F2, F3, etc. cable pair--The F1 cable pair is the first segment ofcable which comprises the outside plant loop. The F1 originates in thecentral office and terminates at a distribution terminal or servingterminal. In the case where a customer is served beyond the distributionterminal this is referred to as the "feeder" pair.

The F2 cable pair is the second segment of cable in the outside plantloop facility. The F2 originates at the distribution terminal where theF1 cable pair ends and will normally terminate at the serving terminal.The F2 pair is sometimes referred to as the "distribution" pair.

There are cases where the loop may be assembled from more than two setsof facilities (F1 and F2) these would be referred to as F3, F4, etc.

FMO--Future Method of Operation--The manner in which functions andprocesses will be performed in the future.

FOM--FACS Operations Management--Centralized work group involved inresolving RMAs that cannot be resolved by the local centers.

FX--Foreign Exchange--Assignment of a telephone number and local callingarea that differs from the customer's serving wire center.

GSG--Geographic Site Guide.

GUI--Graphical User Interface.

ICC--Installation Control Center, work center involved with the dispatchof outside technicians and the management of service requests involvingoutside network work or customer wiring work.

IISA--Integrated Information Systems Architecture.

I&M--installation and Maintenance--The work group responsible forscheduling and performing installation and maintenance activities. Thiswork can be performed anywhere from the customer premise to the centraloffice.

IMOSS--ISDN Marketing and Operations Support System.

Interchangeable Exchange--A group of NXXs that offer identical servicesand calling areas within a given wire center and are available fortelephone number assignment.

ISCP--Integrated Service Control Point--Network element in the AINnetwork.

IXC--Inter-exchange Carrier--A carrier authorized by the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) to provide interLATA, interstate and/orinternational long distance communications services; a carrierauthorized by a state Public Utility Commission (PUC) to provide longdistance communications service but not local exchange service withinstate boundaries. Also referred to as "IC", "IEC", or "IXC".

LA--Listed Address--Appears in the LST section of the service order toidentify a telephone service as appearing in the White Pages directory,with Director Assistance or on company records only. The List Address isnot necessarily the physical location of the service.

LAC--Loop Assignment Center--Same as MLAC, normally referred to an MLACafter the center has been converted to FACS.

LATA--Local Access and Transport Area.

LCC--Line Class Code--Identifies to the switch a particular class ofservice. It can be identified by a USOC, FID, or some combination of thetwo. The FID would modify the USOC by qualifying the class of servicewith specific attributes such as 700/900 blocking.

LDM--Logical Data Model.

LEIS--Loop Engineering Information System--Operations system used by theDSDC to monitor the outside plant network for network modifications ofgrowth.

LET--Line Equipment Transfer--The transfer of central office lineequipment to support area transfers or load balancing.

LFACS--Loop Facility Assignment and Control System A member of the FACS(Facilities and Assignment Control System) family of applications, LFACSis a Bellcore designed system that inventories and assigns all loopfacilities from a customer's premises to the main distributing frame inthe central office.

LI--Left-In, status given to jumpers in the central office connectingthe F1 cable pair with an OE.

LMOS--Loop Maintenance Operations System--An AT&T developed system usedto maintain line records and identify network troubles.

LOMS--LAC Operations Management System--Services orders that do notautomatically flow through the provisioning process "fall out" ofautomatic processing and are managed by LOMS. LOMS assists the MLAC inmanagement of RMAs (Requests for Manual Assistance).

LST--Line and Station Transfer--Rearrangement of outside networkfacilities to support service activation.

LU--Living Unit--The exact physical location of phone service (i.e.,house, business, garage, apartment, etc.). Living Unit information isstored in PREMIS.

MCRF--Mechanized Credit Reference File. A system used by C&P for creditverification. It will be discontinued and replaced with the more robustSSRDF.

MISOS/DOE--Minimal Input Service Order System/Direct Order Entry--TheService Order Processor used by New Jersey Bell.

MLAC--Mechanized Loop Assignment Center--The MLAC is responsible for theadministration of service orders through the provisioning process.Service orders which cannot automatically flow through the provisioningsystems are resolved at the MLAC.

MLHG--Multi-Line Hunt Group.

MSP--Multi Services Platform--Operations system used to support theUltra-Forward service, also designed to support other new servicesneeding switch updates.

MVP--Multi-Variety Package--Centrex service for residential and smallbusiness customers.

NAC--Network Administration Center--The NAC is responsible formonitoring and administering operations on the central office switches.This includes monitoring the availability of OE and ensuring that theswitches are properly load balanced.

The NAC is also responsible for telephone number administration. Thisincludes the management of TN inventory and the distribution of TNs tothe BSC or RSC for assignment.

NID--Network Interface Device--The NID serves as the interface betweenoutside plant facilities and the living unit (LU). This is also referredto as the "point of demarcation". This is on the customer's side of thenetwork and protector.

NPA--Numbering Plan Area--The area code of the telephone number. Forexample, in the number (703) 555-1367, 703 is the NPA.

NXX--Also known as the NNX--The telephone number exchange. For example,in the number (703) 555-1367, 555 is the exchange.

OE--Office Equipment--The office equipment is the switch port that isused to connect the F1 cable pair with the switch. It is the physicalhardware within the central office that provides originating andterminating call functionality. It includes line terminations, signaling(including dial-tone) and supervision and call completion.

OM--Order Manager--Operations support system that supportsimplementation of SDT in the current environment by modifying serviceorder to create or disconnect the SDT line. Other implementations of theOM have created a second order to perform this function.

OSCA--Open Systems Computing Architecture--Addresses the way systemsshould be constructed for data independencies and optimum modularity.

OSP--Outside Plant--Include the cable pair segments, terminals and crossconnects which are combined to create a complete outside loop. Thisoutside loop connects a customer living unit with a central officeserving the customer.

PCF--Partially Connected Facility--A PCF'd facility is a non-workingloop that is connected to a living unit but is not connected completelyback to the Central Office or a Remote Switching Unit.

PIC--Primary Interexchange Carrier--A FID in the Service and Equipmentsection of the service order that describes the long distance carrierselected to carry interLATA, interstate and/or international tolltraffic for a customer.

PICX--The unique three character code that denotes an inter-exchangecarrier selected by the customer.

POTS--Plain Old Telephone Service--Basic telephone service for thetransmission of human speech.

PREMIS--Premise Information System--A Bellcore developed stand-alonecomponent of FACS. PREMIS provides interactive support to RSCs, andBSCs, and Loop Assignment Centers. For the RSCs and BSCs, PREMIS offers:address verification, SAG and Living Unit information, negotiation aid,commitment dates, service order assistance, telephone number assignment,credit information, interexchange carrier selection.

PREMIS Maintenance Center (PMC)--The work group responsible for updatingthe PREMIS system.

PMO--Present Method of Operation--The manner in which functions andprocesses are performed today. Current Environment.

PTN--Preferred Telephone Number--A special telephone number selected bythe customer; or a telephone number selected by the NAC to fulfill acustomer's request for an easy number. (Easy TNs are described as thosenumbers that have at least two of the same number in the extension.)

PUC--Public Utility Commission--The governing body in each state thatsets, changes, and removes restrictions and regulations on utilitycompanies. The PUC is in place to protect consumer's interests.

RAO--Revenue Accounting Office--A unit that administers paymentmanagement and billing systems support.

RBOC--Regional Bell Operating Company.

RCC--Residence Collection Center--A unit that manages billing andcollections activities. Collection agents work in the RCCs. Each companyhas multiple RSCs spread throughout its territory.

RCMAC--Recent Change Memory Administration Center Work group responsiblefor memory administration changes to the central office switch.

Recap--On change orders and restorals, the process by which the serviceorder processor will place the nonchanging features and services on theservice order based on information stored in the customer record inCRIS. Also, the business function performed by the ServiceRepresentative to ensure that the customer order was accuratelyrecorded.

RFACCS--Regional Final Accounts Credit and Collections System--A systemused by the RCCs to manage final account billing and collections. Usedto verify credit.

RIDES--Remote Intelligent Distribution Element Support--Support systemfor activation of fiber network elements in the loop.

RIDS--An acronym for the SSNS process that will search for Restrictions,Incompatibilities, or Dependencies with basic, toll, and optionalservices selected by a customer.

RMAS--Remote Memory Administration System--Support system for creatingrecent change messages and interacting with the central office switchfor line memory changes.

RSC--Residence Service Center--A unit that provides customers withentree to the Telco. The RSCs handle inquiries, complaints, requests forservice and billing and payment assistance. Service Representatives workin the RSCs. Each company has multiple RSCs spread throughout itsterritory.

RTS--Ready-to-Serve--The concept in which facilities are stabilized anddedicated to living units in order to provide service to the customerwhen requested.

SA--Service Address--A FID in the LST section of the service order thatdescribes the physical location of the service.

SAG--Street Address Guide--Defines parameters for defining a customer'sservice, including but not limited to NPA, NXX, wire center, rate zone,and terminating traffic area. SAG information is stored in PREMIS.

SalesCue--A subset of SSNS, SalesCue assists reps by recommendingproducts and services to sell to customers based on demographics andlife-style clues obtained during the contact.

SDT--Soft Dial Tone--Restricted dial tone that is placed on thecustomers line that provide restricted calling to the business office toplace service orders and to 911 for emergencies.

Second Net Order--A pending service order that has been through theprovisioning process and has facilities assigned.

Service on Demand--The concept which provides service to the customer onthe date that he requests. Also referred to as "When do you Want it"service.

SOAC--Service Order Analysis and Control--The controller portion of theFACS family of systems.

SOACS--Service Order Administration and Control System --The ServiceOrder Processor used by C&P Telephone.

SOI--Service Order Image--Orders which SOAC determines will requiremanual intervention in MARCH are sent as order images, including alldata on the service order.

SOP--Service Order Processor (Generic)--A system for creating, editingand distributing service orders to downstream processes and systems.

SOP/DOE--Service Order Procedure/Direct Order Entry.

SSNS--SalesService Negotiation System--A graphical user interface systemthat presents information to service representatives from a variety ofsystems and platforms in a window format to assist negotiation ofservices and inquiries.

SSRDF--Social Security/Repetitive Debt File--A credit verificationsystem.

TCAT--Telephone Number Category--A three character code describing theoverall service that the customer will receive. Used during TN selectionwith PREMIS.

Third Net Order--An order that has been through the provisioning andmemory administration processes. Often referred to as a "completed"order.

TN--Telephone Number--A ten digit number comprised of an area code(NPA), an exchange (NXX), and an extension.

TP--Translation Packet--SOAC creates TPs from the service order itreceives from the service order processor. SOAC checks the USOCs/FIDs,determines that the order should flow through MARCH, strips the memoryadministration codes off the order, and formats the TPs which it send toMARCH.

TQM--Total Quality Management.

ULBB--User Layer Building Block--For example, the presentation layer ofSSNS that service reps use.

USOC--Universal Service Order Code--An alphanumeric coding scheme thatidentifies products and services that have been ordered by a customer.

VMAP--Voice Mail Adjunct Processor.

VOD--Video On Demand.

WDYWI--When Do You Want It--Service on Demand.

WFA/DO--Work and Force Administration/Dispatch Out

WFA/DO is responsible for determining the need for dispatching,scheduling the dispatch, and managing of jobs for service orders whichrequire a dispatch. This includes both outside plant installation andcustomer premises work.

WM--Work Manager--Operations system that manages data traffic betweenSOAC and COSMOS and between SOAC and MARCH.

We claim:
 1. An administration system for a public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN), comprising:a first automatic service order processingsystem which receives a service request from a customer requestingservice and stores first customer facility data in a first databaseassociated therewith,when the service request is eligible for processingby said first automatic service order processing system, said firstautomatic service order processing system automatically provisions firstcustomer facilities to execute the service request based upon the firstcustomer facility data, and the first customer facility data maintainedby the first automatic service order processing system without beingaltered when a disconnect request is received from the customer, andwhen the service request is not eligible for processing by said firstautomatic service order processing system, said first automatic serviceorder processing system generates a provisioning request to process theservice request; and a second automatic service order processing systemoperatively connected to said first automatic service order processingsystem and storing second customer facility data in a second databaseassociated therewith, said second automatic service order processingsystem receiving the provisioning request from said first automaticservice order processing system and automatically provisioning secondcustomer facilities to execute the service request, said secondautomatic service order processing system not being required to reassignthe first customer facilities as the second customer facilities when adisconnect request is received from the customer.
 2. An administrationsystem for a public switched telephone network (PSTN), comprising:firstmeans for receiving a service request from a customer requesting serviceand storing first customer facility data in a first database associatedtherewith,when the service request is eligible for processing by saidfirst automatic service order processing system, said first meansautomatically provisions first customer facilities to execute theservice request based upon the first customer facility data, and thefirst customer facility data maintained by said first means withoutbeing altered when a disconnect request is received from the customer,and when the service request is not eligible for processing by saidfirst automatic service order processing system, said first meansgenerating a provisioning request requesting processing of the servicerequest; and second means for storing second customer facility data in asecond database associated therewith, for receiving the provisioningrequest from said first means and automatically provisioning secondcustomer facilities to execute the service request, said second meansnot being required to reassign the first customer facilities as thesecond customer facilities when a disconnect request is received fromthe customer.
 3. In an administration system for a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) including an attendant station for receivingservice requests, a method comprising the steps of:receiving a servicerequest corresponding to a living unit from a customer requestingservice; determining whether the service request corresponding to theliving unit is eligible for provisioning using prior customer facilitydata previously assigned to the living unit; when the service request iseligible for provisioning using prior customer facilities previouslyutilized by the living unit, automatically provisioning the priorcustomer facilities to execute the service request based upon the priorcustomer facility data maintained without being altered when adisconnect request is received from the customer; when the servicerequest is not eligible for provisioning using the prior customerfacilities previously utilized by the living unit, generating aprovisioning request requesting processing of the service request;automatically provisioning other customer facilities to execute theservice request, responsive to the provisioning request, based upon oneof the prior customer facility data and new customer facility data. 4.In an administration system for a public switched telephone network(PSTN) including an attendant station for receiving service requests, amethod comprising the steps of:receiving a service request from acustomer at a living unit requesting service; determining whether theliving unit had previously been equipped with prior customer facilitiesfor service; when the living unit had not been previously equipped withthe prior customer facilities, automatically provisioning customerequipment to execute the service request based upon customer facilitydata that is maintained without being altered when a subsequentdisconnect request is received from the customer; when the living unithad been previously equipped with the prior customer facilities,determining whether the service request corresponding to the living unitis eligible for provisioning using the prior customer facilitiespreviously utilized by the living unit; and when the service request iseligible for provisioning using the prior customer facilities previouslyutilized by the living unit, automatically provisioning the customerequipment to execute the service request based upon the prior customerfacility data previously used at the living unit.
 5. In anadministration system for a public switched telephone network (PSTN),the method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of:whenthe service request is not eligible for provisioning the customerfacilities previously utilized by the living unit, generating aprovisioning request requesting processing of the service request; andautomatically provisioning other customer equipment to execute theservice request, responsive to the provisioning request, based upon oneof the prior customer facilities and new customer facilities.
 6. In anadministration system for a public switched telephone network (PSTN),the method according to claim 5, wherein the automatically provisioningstep further comprises the step of optimizing the provisioning of theother customer equipment with respect to at least one of facilitylocation, reuse of facilities, facility cost, and facility efficiencywhich determines whether the one of the prior customer facilities andthe new customer facilities are selected for the other customerequipment.
 7. An administration system for a public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN), comprising:means for receiving a service request from acustomer at a living unit requesting service; means for determiningwhether the living unit had previously been equipped with prior customerequipment for service; means for automatically provisioning customerequipment to execute the service request using customer facility datawhen the living unit had not been previously equipped with the priorcustomer equipment, and the customer facility data maintained withoutbeing altered when a subsequent disconnect request is received from thecustomer; means for determining whether the service requestcorresponding to the living unit is eligible for provisioning the priorcustomer equipment previously utilized by the living unit; and means forautomatically provisioning the prior customer equipment to execute theservice request when the service request is eligible.
 8. Anadministration system for a public switched telephone network (PSTN)comprising an attendant station for receiving service requests andcollecting customer information; a first service order processingsystem; service order format means for formatting and distributingservice orders for processing by said first service order processingsystem; and a second service order processing system having storagemeans for storing data including Living Unit (LU) data, customerfacility data and Telephone Number (TN) data, said second service orderprocessing system storing the LU data corresponding to the customerfacility data as provisioned data for a LU, and for maintaining theprovisioned data in said second service order processing system withoutaltering the customer facility data when a disconnect request isreceived by the attendant station; said second service order processingsystem receiving data from said attendant station for determiningwhether the service request is eligible for processing by said secondservice order processing system and, if so performing thefollowing:selecting a TN from said second service order processingsystem and processing the service request by assigning the provisioneddata maintained by said second service order processing system to the LUwhen a new service request is initiated by the LU even when a disconnectrequest has been previously requested by the LU; determining whetherWork and Force Administration (WFA) action is necessary for connectingoutside plant facilities to the living unit, and when the WFA action isnecessary, preparing and dispatching a message to a WFA center forperforming the WFA action; determining whether Memory AdministrationSystem (MAS) action is necessary, and when the MAS action is necessary,creating a Translation Packet (TP) and sending said TP to a MAS forperforming the MAS action; updating the customer facility data inresponse to confirmation of completion of said WFA action; andgenerating and dispatching a completion message to said service orderformat means.
 9. An administration system for a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN) comprising an attendant station for receivingservice requests and collecting customer information; a first serviceorder processing system; service order format means for formatting anddistributing service orders for processing by said first service orderprocessing system; and a second service order processing system havingstorage means for storing data including Living Unit (LU) data, customerfacility data and Telephone Number (TN) data, said second service orderprocessing system storing the LU data corresponding to the customerfacility data as provisioned data for a LU, and for maintaining theprovisioned data in said second service order processing system withoutaltering the customer facility data when a disconnect request isreceived by the attendant station; said second service order processingsystem receiving data from said attendant station for determining if theservice request is eligible for processing by said second service orderprocessing system and, if the service request is eligible for processingby said second service order processing system, processing said servicerequest by assigning the provisioned data maintained by said secondservice order processing system to the LU when a new service request isinitiated by the LU even when the disconnect request has been previouslyrequested by the LU, and, if the service request is not eligible forprocessing by said second service order processing system, issuing aservice order requesting processing of the service request, said serviceorder being processed by said first service order processing system. 10.In an administration system for a public switched telephone network(PSTN) comprising an attendant station for receiving service requestsand collecting customer information; service order format means forformatting and distributing service orders; and a service orderprocessing system having storage means for storing data including LivingUnit (LU) data, customer facility data and Telephone Number (TN) data,said service order processing system storing the LU data correspondingto the customer facility data as provisioned data for a LU, and formaintaining the provisioned data in said service order processing systemwithout altering the customer facility data when a disconnect request isreceived by the attendant station, a method of processing the servicerequest comprising the steps of:receiving data from said attendantstation for determining if the service request is eligible forprocessing by said service order processing system; if the servicerequest is eligible for processing by said service order processingsystem, processing the service request by assigning the provisioned datamaintained by said service order processing system to the LU when a newservice request is initiated by the LU.